Diving Whistling Kites

Believe me it doesn't get any easier with a longer lens, at least for me. You did an admirable job on the kites. I do have a suggestion in regard to the background. I'm not sure what the green/white areas are in with the grass. If it were mine I would clone them out or tone them down. I'm sure you'll get some more comments that might be more helpful on how to shoot birds in flight.

Hi Crystal
I am Sydney!
I like your image it makes a great first post. I bet you wish you had a much longer lens too! It appears you were on one of those croc trips where they feed the kites? Did you get a chance to hear their call? I love their call. I occasionally hear them along my local rivers and lakes. Agree about the background bright objects. They are a little distracting, but easy to fix. The only other improvement I could suggest going forward is to try and get the birds facing towards the camera not away. Easy to say, HARD to do.

Nice action captured Crystal and a fine first post, getting the birds facing your way would improve this shot I think. Exposure and comp look good.

Welcome to NPN, Crystal! A very nice first post!

Welcome Crystal. I agree with Akos' assessment of this image. Getting eye contact really helps draw the viewer into your images. A great thing to strive for in bird images.

A nice first post, Crystal. Welcome to NPN. I like your composition, and the poses of the Kites. The exposure looks good. As others have mentioned, getting them coming toward you and getting a view of the eye can help a lot. The bright objects on the shore are a bit distracting-is that a path with people on it?

Crystal,

I think Ákos gave you some very good advice.

Welcoem to Npn's Avian critique gallery, it is a great place to learn when getting critiques, but you will learn as much and more by giving other member's images your honest, thoughtful evaluations too.

Welcome to NPN Crystal. Very nice image, with the two Kites, nice composition and exposure. It would have been better if they were facing you and those bright spots (people?) in the grass are a bit distracting too. The only other thing is that it seems that the horizon is just a bit tilted. Again welcome and looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I look forward to learning more from you all. The distracting objects I think you refer to are actually lily leaves and flowers... not people!